Here are 10 forest-school inspired art activities to get your kids outside!
Warm weather is a rare commodity here in Minnesota, so we practically live outdoors in the summer time. Picnics, hikes, gardening, art time… you name it.
If the temps are mild, we are out in the wild.
Here are 10 forest-school inspired art activities that I use to get kids outside and making art!
- Nature Looms
- Leaf Prints with Marker
- Nature Impression Wall Hangings
- Cyanotype Inspired Paintings
- Paper Bag Nature Journals
- Nature Portraits Craft
- Outdoor Drawing Tic-Tac-Toe
- Botanical Sun Catchers
- Nature Frames Transient Art Project
- Boho Leaf Wall Hanging
1. Nature Looms
Weaving art projects develop fine motor skills but are also a great pre-reading activity for young learners. Here is a simple, forest-school inspired take on weaving to try at home!
You can view the tutorial for Nature Looms here.
2. Leaf Prints with Marker
Take advantage of your children’s connection to the natural environment with these easy leaf prints. All you will need for this art project is leaves, markers, paper, and water.
You can view the tutorial for Leaf Prints with Marker here.
3. Nature Impression Wall Hangings
Nature is all around us! There is no better way to feel connected to nature than by taking a walk and gathering up little things that catch your eye. What better way to show off your findings than in a gorgeous clay wall hanging?
You can purchase the full lesson plan here.
4. Cyanotype Inspired Paintings
Cyanotypes are blue prints made through a photographic printing process. Mimic these stunning prints with this easy, low-prep watercolor painting with your kids.
You can view the tutorial for Cyanotype Inspired Paintings here.
5. Paper Bag Nature Journals
Nature journals are a tool to help kids slow down and connect to their environment. Here is how you can make your very own using paper bags and string. It’s an easy craft for kids that will inspire a greater love for the outdoors!
You can view the tutorial for Paper Bag Nature Journals here.
6. Nature Portraits
Do your kids enjoy collecting leaves as much as mine does? Display their collection with this eco-friendly portrait craft!
You can view the tutorial for Nature Portraits here.
7. Outdoor Drawing Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe, three in a row! This art challenge allows students differentiated options for artistic expression while promoting environmental awareness, connection, and gratitude for the world in which we live.
You can purchase the printable tic-tac-toe drawing game here.
8. Botanical Suncatchers
Celebrate the sunshine and beauty of the spring season with these botanical suncatchers! With a focus on symmetry, this project is a fabulous opportunity to integrate math and art.
Download the free lesson plan for this art project here.
9. Nature Frames
Process-based art activities develop confidence and independence in young artists by providing them with the opportunity to make artistic choices. They also aid in the development of a child’s critical thinking skills and inquiry. This art activity works well for all seasons!
You can view the tutorial for Nature Frames here.
Leaf Mobile
Feeling inspired by the beauty of fall? These Bohemian mobile sculptures are a fabulous way to introduce the element of line to elementary students and celebrate the beauty of autumn. Materials for this project are minimal-just a grocery bag, scissors, paint, string, and a stick!
You can purchase the full lesson plan here.
Happy creating!
